For release throughout December 2005, Saskatoon - Saskatoon Health Region would like to remind residents of the Health Region to use Saskatoon Emergency Departments for emergencies only.
Waiting times in the Emergency Department can change very quickly depending the on the number of patients who attend the emergency and the seriousness of their illness. Clients that come to the Emergency Department are not seen in chronological order, but in order of the severity of their illness. Those with more serious health concerns are seen first. Although we try to see all patients who come to our Departments, those with non-urgent problems may have to wait.
Examples of an emergency medical condition include chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden and severe headache, frequent vomiting and diarrhea, a large cut or wound, broken limbs, and severe abdominal pain.
Please do not use Saskatoon Emergency Departments for non-urgent medical concerns such as a minor cut, a prescription re-fill, a cold, mild flu or rash. Instead, please contact your family doctor or go to a medical clinic.
The public can also call the provincial Healthline at 1-877-800-0002. The Healthline is a toll-free 24-hour health advice line, and is staffed by registered nurses that can provide you with immediate, professional health advice or information, and direct you to the most appropriate source of care. HealthLine can help you decide whether you should treat your own symptoms, go to a clinic, wait to see your doctor, or go to a hospital emergency room. Residents with speech or hearing difficulties can call 1-888-425-4444. All calls are confidential.
Saskatchewan also has a 24 hour, 7 days a week Poison Center. If your emergency is related to a poisoning, or potential poisoning, call the Poison Centre first before coming to the Emergency Department. Many poison cases can be treated successfully at home. The phone number for the Saskatchewan Poison Centre is 1-866-454-1212.
Royal University Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day and Saskatoon City Hospital Emergency is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. To save time, please have your health card, as well your medication history with you.
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For more information, please contact:
Leanne Nyirfa
Adviser, Corporate & Public Affairs
(306) 655-3386
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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